Evan Bouchard Enjoys Three-Point Period In Game 2 Against Panthers
Source: ESPN
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard went off for three points in the opening period of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers on Friday night, finishing a 5-4 double-overtime loss with a goal and two assists. Additionally, he had a game-high eight shots on goal and blocked four attempts from the opposition. Bouchard became the first blue-liner and only the fourth player overall in NHL history with multiple three-point periods in the Stanley Cup Finals. It's been an impressive start to the series from Bouchard, who already boasts four points (one goal, three assists) through the first two games and has recorded 15 shots on goal. For the entire postseason campaign, he has produced 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 18 appearances, with 52 shots and 26 blocks.Connor McDavid Joins Rare Company with Three-Assist Effort
Source: ESPN
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid produced three assists, including a highlight-reel pass during Friday's 5-4 double overtime defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. McDavid helped Evan Bouchard on the scoreboard and then set up Leon Draisaitl with an incredible move on the power play to give Edmonton a 3-2 lead going into the first period. After the Oilers offense went cold for a prolonged stretch, McDavid added another assist to his tally when Corey Perry sent the game into overtime with only 18 seconds remaining in regulation. McDavid became the sixth player in NHL history to post three or more assists in a Stanley Cup Finals matchup multiple times, joining Wayne Gretzky (4x), Gordie Howe (3x), Phil Esposito (2x), Bernie Geoffrion (2x), and Doug Harvey (2x). The Oilers captain continues to amaze each night, having collected 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 18 postseason games this year.Sam Bennett Makes NHL History with Another Goal Friday
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett started the scoring with a power-play goal in Friday's 5-4 double-overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers. He found the back of the net for the 12th time in a road contest this postseason, establishing a new Stanley Cup Playoffs record. Overall, Bennett has netted 13 goals in the playoffs, so he truly seems to thrive in the intense and intimidating road atmosphere. The 28-year-old, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, leads the Panthers with 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 19 postseason contests, doing everything he can to secure a juicy contract for next season.Seth Jones Fills Stat Sheet in Game 2 Against Oilers
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones had a busy night in Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers, finishing a 5-4 double-overtime win with two points (one goal, one assist), two shots, two blocks, two hits, two penalty minutes, and a plus-three rating in 34:35 of action. He spent over five minutes on the power play during the marathon matchup, although both of Jones' points were picked up during even-strength play. The 30-year-old has contributed four goals and five assists in 19 playoff appearances for the Panthers, while amassing 27 blocks and 42 hits. Recently, Jones has improved his offensive productivity, having notched three points in three games after managing only two points over nine outings.Anton Lundell Notches Two Assists in Friday's Win
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell recorded two assists in Friday's series-tying 5-4 double-overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers. He set up linemate Brad Marchand twice, once during a short-handed situation in the second period and again in the second overtime, leading to the game-winning goal. Lundell finished with four shots on goal and delivered one hit, while logging a plus-three rating. It was another successful night for Florida's third line, which has provided excellent depth scoring throughout the playoffs. In 19 outings, Lundell has accumulated 14 points (five goals, nine assists), with a team-leading plus-15 rating.Brad Marchand Leads Panthers to Victory in Game 2 Against Oilers
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand scored twice in Friday's Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers to help the team tie the Stanley Cup Finals with a 5-4 double-overtime win. The veteran winger netted Florida's final two goals: one during a short-handed situation in the second period and the other with 8:05 played in the second overtime. In the game, Marchand led his team with seven shots on goal and dished out a pair of hits. The 37-year-old has notched three goals in the first two games against Edmonton, giving him 10 career Finals goals, the most among active players. Despite filling third-line minutes, Marchand remains one of Florida's top scorers in the postseason, with 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) over 19 games.Logan O'Connor to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Source: ESPN
Colorado Avalanche forward Logan O'Connor is expected to be out for 5-6 months after undergoing hip surgery on Friday. The 28-year-old missed only two games in 2024-25, but Colorado will have to cope without him for quite some time next season, with O'Connor potentially out until December. O'Connor, who also had hip surgery last year, impressed during the playoffs with six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games. During the regular season, he had his fourth consecutive 20-point campaign. In 80 appearances, O'Connor tallied 10 goals and 11 assists. Next season will mark the start of a six-year, $15 million contract for O'Connor, who has tallied 103 points (45 goals, 58 assists) in 343 career games with the Avalanche.Tyler Seguin Nursing a Shoulder Injury
Source: Lia Assimakopoulos
Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin played through a shoulder injury during the postseason, general manager Jim Nill revealed on Friday. Seguin's regular-season campaign was also disrupted by injury, as he made only 20 appearances due to hip surgery. He notched nine goals and 21 points, showing that he can still be productive as a 33-year-old. However, Seguin's form declined during the postseason, with just eight points (four goals and four assists) in 18 games. The veteran forward does not require surgery to address his shoulder issue and is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2025-26 season.Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Source: NHL.com
The Dallas Stars fired head coach Pete DeBoer on Friday. His departure follows Dallas' 4-1 loss in the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. DeBoer joined the Stars in 2022, guiding the team to the Western Finals in each season. He posted a 149-68-29 regular-season record with the team and had the highest points percentage in the NHL (.665). So far, nine teams have changed coaches after the regular season ended. DeBoer, who had one year left on his contract, should have no trouble securing another head coaching gig soon if he wants. With a career record of 662-447-152, DeBoer ranks fourth in wins among active coaches and has led his teams to at least the Conference Finals eight times over the last 14 seasons.Stuart Skinner Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Source: Tony Brar
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner will hope to extend a five-game winning streak in Friday's Finals matchup against the Florida Panthers. He started the Finals with a 29-save effort in Game 1, helping the team to a 4-3 overtime victory. This was only the third time in his past eight appearances that Skinner allowed more than two goals. After a horrible start to the postseason, he has completely turned things around, going 7-4 in 11 starts. Skinner owns a 2.50 goals-against average with a .904 save percentage and has posted three shutouts. Another victory on Friday night would tie Skinner for the fifth-longest postseason winning streak in Oilers history.Sergei Bobrovsky Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
Source: Jameson Olive
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will make his 19th start of the postseason in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. The former Vezina Trophy winner kicked off the Final with a solid performance, stopping 42 shots, though he suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat in Game 1. Bobrovsky has lost two of his last three starts, which has dropped his playoff record to 12-6. He has posted a 2.17 goals-against average with a .912 save percentage. The Panthers have only lost back-to-back games once this postseason, so Bobrovsky appears well-positioned to return to winning ways on Friday.A.J. Greer Remains Out Friday
Source: Sportsnet
Florida Panthers left wing A.J. Greer (lower body) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. The fourth-line grinder was injured late in the Eastern Conference Finals and must wait for his chance to play against the Oilers due to a lower-body injury. Jesper Boqvist is expected to continue filling in for Greer. The Swedish forward experienced some success in a top-line role earlier in the postseason but was quiet on the fourth line in Game 1 against Edmonton. He logged 7:58 of ice time, finishing with one hit.Nate Schmidt Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt helped out on the offensive end with two assists in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers. The 33-year-old ended a seven-game point drought by assisting Brad Marchand on a power-play goal and Sam Bennett during an even-strength situation. Schmidt's recent efforts on the attacking end have not been good, but he is on the verge of becoming the 11th Panther this postseason with double-digit points. Through 18 appearances, Schmidt has registered nine points (three goals, six assists), along with 19 shots, 15 blocks, and 28 hits.Carter Verhaeghe Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe recorded two assists in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Florida's second line spearheaded the team's offense on the night, with Verhaeghe picking up both of his assists on goals by Sam Bennett. The 29-year-old logged his fifth multi-point game of the postseason. Although Verhaeghe has been inconsistent in his offensive production, his haul of 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 18 games makes him Florida's fourth-highest scorer. In last year's Finals against the Oilers, Verhaeghe tallied only four points and must be eager to improve his output this time around.Sam Bennett Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett lit the lamp twice on five shots in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals opener. His two strikes put the Panthers up 3-1 before the Oilers made a comeback and seized the victory, marking a disappointing end to a special night for Bennett. The 28-year-old set a new franchise record with 12 goals in a single postseason. Remarkably, Bennett has tallied 11 of his goals in road games, which is a league record that he now shares with Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets. He has a chance to make it his own in Friday's Game 2. Bennett has also added six assists to his goals in the playoffs, putting him on a point-per-game pace through 18 appearances.